Wildwood soldier dies in Afghan ammo explosion

The parents of a soldier from north suburban Wildwood who died in a noncombat accident in Afghanistan on Saturday said their hearts are "heavy with grief."

U.S. Army Ranger Joseph W. Dimock II died in an explosion that the military said occurred while he was inventorying ammunition.

"Together with Joey's brothers, our sons Louis and Michael, our hearts are heavy with grief, yet at the same time filled with love for Joey and with pride in Joey's service to our Nation," Joseph and Ellen Dimock said in a written statement released today.

The Dimocks expressed gratitude for the support of family and friend "in this difficult time."

Dimock is one of two people from the northern suburbs to die while serving in Afghanistan last weekend. Hours after the Department of Defense confirmed Dimock's death, it also announced that a Marine from Crystal Lake, Christopher J. Antonik, 29, died Sunday while supporting combat operations in Helmand province.

Dimock enlisted in the Army in August 2007 and for nearly three years served as a rifleman in 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, out of Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia.

The explosion in Salerno, Afghanistan, also injured another Ranger conducting the inspection.

"Ranger Dimock represented everything right with America. He was an incredibly talented young man, who volunteered to serve his nation in a time of war and ultimately gave his life in support of her cause," said Lt. Col. Mike Foster, the 1st Ranger Battalion Commander.

"His loss is felt across the entire battalion and our thoughts and prayers are with the Dimock family."